Fatal Passage: The True Story of John Rae, the Arctic Hero Time Forgot Book

His accomplishments, which rank supreme over all nineteenth-century Arctic explorations, were worthy of knighthood. But John Rae was denied that honor?and a fair recognition of his discoveries?because he dared to tell the truth about the fate of his predecessor Sir John Franklin. In this impressively researched book, Ken McGoogan vividly narrates the astonishing adventures of the man who completed the search for the Northwest Passage. He also explains Rae?s grisly discoveries about the last days of Franklin and his men?Britain?s most disastrous foray into the treacherous Arctic?and the consequences to Rae?s own reputation. No explorer could match Rae?s astounding record: 1,765 miles of previously uncharted territory surveyed, 6,555 miles traveled on snowshoe, and 6,700 miles traveled in small boats. Yet Rae, who had first become a doctor at home in Scotland?s Orkney Islands, deeply offended the sensibilities of Victorian England. With surprising egalitarianism, Rae eagerly adopted the successful survival methods of the indigenous Arctic peoples. He also credited native accounts of the extremes that Franklin and his crew were driven to in their failed attempt to survive: cannibalism. Rae would pay dearly for repeating these claims that so offended the ?civilized? world. A bitter smear campaign initiated by Lady Jane Franklin?buttressed with racist writings by such supporters of hers as Charles Dickens?denied Rae the chance of knighthood and discredited him for decades. Ken McGoogan?s passion to redeem John Rae?s achievement makes Fatal Passage an original and compelling portrait in the annals of adventure. Richly documented with primary sources and period illustrations, it raises John Rae to his rightful place as one of North America?s greatest explorers. ?A gripping and well-researched book.... A great adventure story and McGoogan tells it well.? ?Toronto Globe and Mail ?Compulsively readable....? ?Quill & Quire ?A fascinating account of Rae?s remarkable geographic accomplishments....? ?National Post